Photos: Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción 50th Anniversary Gala

Get a compelling long read and must-have lifestyle tips in your inbox every Sunday morning — great with coffee!

On November 3, 2018, IBA–Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, the largest Latina-led non-profit in Greater Boston–commemorated half a century of equitable community development and empowerment with a 50th Anniversary Gala at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. The event honored IBA’s founders and 50 Latino leaders who continue to make Greater Boston a more accessible, culturally-vibrant, upwardly-mobile city.

Serving as a testament to IBA’s impact on affordable housing, education, the arts, youth development, and economic opportunity, the event drew nearly 350 community leaders, members of the business community, and elected officials, including Mayor Martin J. Walsh of the City of Boston and U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. The event also gained the support of over a dozen award-winning chefs who donated their time to present Latin cuisine throughout the Gala, and that of celebrity Lin-Manuel Miranda and his family’s foundation who produced a video for the event.

“We have a bright 50 years ahead. By December of this year, we are adding 146 units of affordable housing to IBA’s 521-unit portfolio,” said Dr. Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA. “What would our founders say if they saw us now? I could not be prouder of IBA’s work and they would be proud too.”

Marty Martinez, Chief of the Mayor’s Office of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston; Phyllis Barajas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Conexión and Bob Rivers, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Bank